Chapter 100: Alliance Of Eldoris, Valeria, Syrathen and Darveim

Chapter 100: Chapter 100: Alliance Of Eldoris, Valeria, Syrathen and Darveim

The hall of delegates was much quieter the following morning. The events of the previous day still sat heavily on everyone’s mind but the tension that had filled the room was gone. The Syrathen delegation sat in silence, their leader Marcus broodingly stoic. The Valerian diplomats examined the final documents regarding the alliance. The Darveim delegation was equally silent, only Nira and Vaeron sitting beside one another.

The leaders of Eldoris had resumed their places opposite the other delegations, Tanaka standing at the front and Malachiel beside him. No explanation was needed about his presence, not anymore. The truth had finally come out. Tanaka placed both of his hands on the table. "We have come to the final day for these negotiations." Eldrin gave a simple nod. "The documents are prepared." He placed four copies of the agreement on the table, one marked for Eldoris, one for Valeria, one for Syrathen and the final, for Darveim. Raishin examined the pages in front of him. "This is an agreement covering mutual recognition, trading rights, borders, travel and military support."

Eldrin nodded. "There is also a statement ensuring free communication between the four nations so that any disputes may be discussed before they become conflicts."

Razer glanced towards the foreign delegations. "And access to Eldoris?" Eldrin turned a page. "Foreign visitors will have to receive special permission to access certain areas, particularly the dungeon and protected zone." The representative from the Dwarfs nodded. "That seems acceptable." The Valerian diplomat gave a small nod. "We accept."

Veldran examined the paper carefully. "Darveim accept." The representative from the Syrathen delegation who had been responsible for the scuffle from the previous day remained silent. Instead, Marcus took up the statement. "Syrathen accept the terms of this agreement." Tanaka gave a satisfied nod. "Then Eldoris accept as well." The paperwork was signed, each representative placing their stamp on the final document, the last of which was placed by Tanaka. Eldrin carefully collected the papers. "The alliance is complete." Nira looked towards Tanaka, a small smile forming on her lips. "Congratulations, Tanaka." Tanaka replied with a smile. "Congratulations to Darveim as well." Veldran gave a small nod.

"This agreement will be significant to our people." Nira glanced around the hall.

"For centuries, Darveim has been isolated, and having other nations recognise our existence will change more than just our trade routes." She paused, then added,

"...it will change how the world views us." Tanaka gave a small nod. "I understand."

Veldran regarded him for a moment. "Then I hope Darveim and Eldoris may walk together for a long time to come." "They will." Tanaka assured him without hesitation. The Valerian diplomat rose to his feet. "Valeria will ensure that the designated route between our territories remains open, and we will also send merchants, craftsmen and officials to establish a permanent contact."

Tanaka shook the man’s hand. "Good." The Valerian smiled. "We look forward to seeing Eldoris grow." Rosen’s representatives followed suit. "We will take word back to Rosen City." One of them glanced towards the windows of the hall. "The city already speaks of Eldoris, and now that conversation will spread." Razer let out a quiet snort. "Then let them speak." Tanaka gave a smile. "Let them come and see for themselves." The Dwarf representative leaned forward. "There is one matter I would like to raise." Tanaka turned to face him. The Dwarf straightened himself. "Tanaka Eldoris, our kingdom’s king has given his approval on the agreements made here today." A new hush fell over the hall.

"We would like to extend an invitation to you." Tanaka raised an eyebrow. "To your kingdom?" The Dwarf placed a hand over his chest. "Our king would personally like to meet you."

Tanaka glanced towards Eldrin. The Dwarf continued. "He has already given permission for our delegation to negotiate with you, but it would be best if either you or a trusted delegate came to our kingdom in person." The Dwarf gave a smile. "Our king prefers to know the people who make agreements with his kingdom." Raishin gave a small nod. "That is understandable."

Tanaka turned back to the Dwarf. "When would you like me to come?" The Dwarf looked pleasantly surprised. "When your duties allow, we will arrange for an escort and make preparations." Tanaka gave the matter some thought. "I will come." The Dwarf looked at him in astonishment. "You will?" Tanaka gave a simple nod. "Eldoris has just entered the world, and meeting another king in person is an important matter."

The Dwarf was smiling broadly. "I shall bring your answer to our king." The Wyvern representative rose to his feet. "There is something from our side as well." Tanaka looked towards him. "The Wyverns have no objections to the agreement already made."

The representative gave a smile. "Lord Zarathiel sends his greetings." Tanaka’s expression softened. "He said what?" The Wyvern representative folded his arms. "He said to tell you that he considers you a brother." More than a few people in the hall turned to regard Tanaka. Sora bounced once. Tanaka laughed. "He really said that?" The Wyvern representative nodded. "He did."

Malachiel gave a small smile. "He has... interesting customs." Tanaka shook his head. "That’s probably how he is." The Wyvern representative continued. "He said that the agreement between his people and Eldoris stands." Zephyr turned to regard the representative. "Then the skies around Eldoris remain open to approved Wyvern travel." "Yes." The representative gave a bow. "That is our understanding." Tanaka nodded. "Then tell Zarathiel I said thank you." The representative smiled. "I will."

The final statement was to be made by the representatives from Syrathen. Marcus stood. "On behalf of the Syrathen Empire, I acknowledge the alliance." Tanaka studied the man carefully. His expression was one of grave concern. "And on behalf of yesterday’s incident?" Tanaka asked. Marcus bowed his head. "It will not happen again."

Raishin said nothing, but Marcus turned to look at him. "Your people have proven themselves worthy of this table." Raishin studied him for a moment before replying.

"Then treat them as such." The diplomat gave a single nod. "I will." Sora suddenly spoke up. "Good." Everyone turned to look at him. Sora bounced happily. "Then nobody needs to fight." Razer laughed. "That will certainly make future meetings easier." Even some of the other delegates gave a smile. Tanaka looked around the hall. The chamber which had nearly turned into a battleground the day before now held the beginnings of an alliance between four nations.

Eldoris.

Valeria.

Syrathen.

Darveim.

More than just a signature on a document, the new alliance ensured that all four nations would have something to gain from the relationship, whether it be trade, travel, information, protection, or most importantly, recognition. Eldoris had entered the world, and with the delegations preparing to leave, preparations were already being made within the city itself. Outside the hall of delegates, workers bustled around the streets, merchants loading wagons, guards escorting the various foreign delegations to the gates, Moonhares and Fanged Rabbits assisting the Darveim delegation with supplies, Dwarfs double-checking their trade records and the Wyvern representatives calling for their steeds. Rosen’s representatives gathered near their carriages. Tanaka stood near the eastern gate alongside the other leaders of Eldoris, Nira approaching him.

"I suppose this is goodbye again."

Tanaka gave a smile. "For now." Nira looked towards the road. "Darveim will be waiting for you." "I know." She looked back at him.

"And remember, you promised to visit us someday." Tanaka laughed. "I remember." Nira gave a smile. "Good." She turned away and rejoined the Darveim delegation. Veldran gave one last nod to Tanaka. "Until next time Lord Tanaka." "Until next time."

Tanaka replied. The Darveim delegation set off, Nira looking back towards Tanaka just once before he raised a hand in response and she turned forward again. A further carriage pulled up to the road, the Valerian delegation preparing to depart.

Their wagons passed through the gates, guarded by Eldoris’ own soldiers, followed shortly afterwards by the Syrathen delegation. There were no insults or accusations this time, just polite farewells. The Dwarfs were last to depart, their representative pausing before Tanaka. "We will prepare everything for your visit." Tanaka gave a nod. "I’ll be there." The Dwarf grinned. "Then our king will be pleased."

He climbed into the waiting carriage and the Wyvern representatives took to the skies, Zephyr watching them disappear into the distance.

"They fly to the west route," he remarked.

Tanaka watched them until they vanished behind the trees. Malachiel remained at his side, Razer crossing his arms. "So they’re all gone." Tanaka looked towards the road.

"Not gone." He gave a smile. "Just returning home." Eldrin adjusted the papers under his arm. "And they will return." Tanaka turned back to look at Eldoris, the walls stretching out before them, the gates now open, monsters of all varieties already returning to their daily lives.

Razer’s Orcs were preparing for their next hunt, the Moonhares returning to their district, the Dwarfs who remained in Eldoris already talking of new building projects and the Wyvern’s visitors had left, but their routes remained and the people of Rosen had begun setting up their trade links, and the agreement had officially placed Eldoris on equal footing with three great powers.

Tanaka stood in thoughtful silence.

One hundred Chapters ago, he had been a slime with no name, barely surviving each day, and now an alliance had been made in his name, a king had invited him to call upon him, a Wyvern Lord called him brother and three nations had recognised Eldoris.

Tanaka turned to regard Malachiel. "Looks like things are getting complicated." Malachiel gave a smile. "They already were." Sora bounced beside them. "So what happens now?" Tanaka looked past the walls of Eldoris, to the trees, to the roads and beyond. "Now we see what the world makes of us." And as the final wagons disappeared into the distance, the gate of Eldoris slowly shut behind them, and with the departure of the last delegation, the first Chapter of Eldoris’ history came to a close.

The Age of Eldoris had begun.

Arc 1: The Birth of Eldoris. End.